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The Sega Master System, an 8-bit powerhouse and a worthy competitor to the NES, delivered some of the most iconic games of its era. From exclusive titles to unique versions of classics like Golden Axe, Double Dragon, and Streets of Rage, the Master System showcased impressive ports. Even pushing its limits with games like Mortal Kombat and Asterix & Obelix, which rivaled the 16-bit Megadrive/Genesis in performance, the console remains a beloved piece of gaming history.
For retro gaming enthusiasts, playing Sega Master System games on modern hardware can be challenging. However, the Steam Deck, when paired with the versatile EmuDeck software, offers a seamless solution. Here’s how you can set up emulators for Sega Master System games on your Steam Deck.
Updated January 15, 2024, by Michael Llewellyn: While the Steam Deck's power is more than enough for Sega Master System games, replicating the performance of an 8-bit console can pose issues. The EmuDeck developers recommend using Decky Loader and the Power Tools plugin to optimize retro gaming experiences. This guide has been updated to include installation steps and solutions for restoring functionality after Steam Deck updates.
Before Installing EmuDeck
Before diving into the world of Sega Master System games on your Steam Deck with EmuDeck, ensure you have the right setup for a smooth installation:
- Keep your Steam Deck plugged in or fully charged to avoid interruptions.
- Use a high-speed micro SD card, which you'll need to format on the Steam Deck after inserting it into the bottom slot.
- Alternatively, an external HDD can be used, though this will compromise the Steam Deck's portability.
- A keyboard and mouse can simplify file transfers and installations, mimicking a home computer experience.
- If you lack these peripherals, access the built-in keyboard by pressing the Steam and X buttons together and use the trackpads as a mouse substitute.
Activate Developer Mode
To ensure your games run smoothly, you must activate Developer Mode before installing emulators:
- Press the Steam button to access the left panel.
- Navigate to the System menu, then System Settings.
- Enable Developer Mode.
- Find the Developer menu at the bottom of the left panel.
- Open the Developer menu.
- Under Miscellaneous, activate CEF Remote Debugging.
- Press the Steam Button and select Power, then Restart the Steam Deck.
Remember, CEF Remote Debugging may get disabled after a system update, potentially affecting plugins and emulators. Always check the Developer Menu post-update to ensure it remains enabled.
Installing EmuDeck In Desktop Mode
- Switch to Desktop Mode by pressing the Steam button, selecting Power, and then Desktop Mode.
- Use a web browser like Chrome or Firefox to download EmuDeck.
- Choose your SteamOS version and download the installer. Double-click to launch it and proceed with the Recommended Install.
- Opt for Custom Install.
- After installation, open the menu and select the SD card image labeled Primary to rename it for easy access under Removable Devices in the Dolphin file manager.
- You can install all emulators or focus solely on the Sega Master System by selecting Retroarch.
RetroArch is a versatile emulator that supports multiple classic gaming systems through a single application, accessible under the 'Emulators' tab in the Steam library.
- Ensure the Steam Rom Manager is selected along with Retroarch to display games in your Steam library.
- Enable the 'Configure CRT Shader for Classic 3D Games' feature for that authentic retro look.
- Click Finish to complete the installation.
Transferring Master System Roms
With Retroarch and EmuDeck set up, you're ready to transfer your Sega Master System ROMs:
- Open the Dolphin File Manager.
- Navigate to Removable Devices on the left panel and open the Primary SD card.
- Access the Emulation folder, then ROMS.
- Locate the 'mastersystem' folder.
- Transfer or copy your Sega Master System ROM files, which typically end in '.sms,' such as 'Pro Wrestling.sms.' Ignore the 'media' file.
Adding Master System Games To The Steam Library
While you can play Sega Master System games directly from Retroarch in Desktop Mode, adding them to your Steam Library enhances the experience in Gaming Mode:
- Open EmuDeck in Desktop Mode.
- Access the Steam Rom Manager.
- Click Next on the Welcome to SRM! screen.
- Disable Parsers.
- Select Sega Master System on the Parsers screen.
- Click Add Games, then Parse.
- Verify the games and cover arts appear, then select Save to Steam.
Fix Or Upload Missing Artwork
Due to the age of the Sega Master System, you might encounter missing or incorrect artwork. Here’s how to fix or replace it:
- Click Fix on the cover frame.
- The Steam ROM Manager usually auto-fills cover art. If missing, enter the game's title in the Search for game field.
- Browse the available covers, select the best one, then click Save and close.
Upload Missing Artwork
If the Steam Rom Manager can’t find a cover, upload one yourself:
- Use a browser to find the correct artwork and save it to the Steam Deck's Pictures folder.
- Click Upload on the cover frame.
- Select the new artwork from the Pictures folder, then save and close.
- If the image doesn't display, use the left and right arrows to locate it.
- Click Save to Steam.
- After the batch files process, switch back to Gaming Mode.
Playing Master System Games On The Steam Deck
Once the Steam Rom Manager uploads the covers and game artwork, you can play your emulated games as easily as official ones:
- In Gaming Mode, press the Steam button under the left trackpad.
- Select Library from the side menu.
- Use the R1 button to navigate to the new Collections tabs.
- Click on the Sega Master System window.
- Choose your Sega game and start playing.
Improve Performance
To enhance your gaming experience and address any performance issues:
- Launch your Sega Master System game and press the QAM button under the right trackpad.
- Open the Performance menu.
- Enable 'Use game profile.'
- Set the Frame Limit to 60 FPS.
- Turn on Half Rate Shading.
Install Decky Loader For The Steam Deck
For optimal performance with emulated games, the EmuDeck developers suggest installing Decky Loader and the Power Tools plugin:
- Connect a keyboard and mouse for easier navigation. Alternatively, use the trackpads and the on-screen keyboard (Steam + X).
- In Gaming Mode, press the Steam button, select Power, and switch to Desktop Mode.
- Open a web browser (downloadable from the Discovery Store).
- Visit the GitHub Decky Loader page and click the Download icon.
- Once downloaded, double-click the launcher and select Recommended Install.
- Restart the Steam Deck in Gaming Mode after installation.
Install Power Tools
With Decky Loader installed, add the Power Tools plugin:
- In Gaming Mode, press the QAM button under the right trackpad.
- Select the new plugin icon in the QAM.
- Click the store icon at the top of the Decky Loader menu.
- Find the Power Tools plugin in the Decky Store and install it.
Power Tools Settings For Emulated Games
- Launch a Master System game from your Collections menu in the Library.
- Press the QAM button, then Decky Loader, and select Power Tools.
- Disable SMTs.
- Set the number of Threads to 4.
- Open the Performance menu (QAM, then the battery icon).
- Enable Advance View.
- Turn on Manual GPU Clock Control.
- Increase GPU Clock Frequency to 1200.
- Save these settings for each game by selecting Per Game Profile.
Fixing Decky Loader After A Steam Deck Update
Steam Deck updates can alter menus and settings, potentially removing third-party apps from your Quick Access menu. Here's how to restore Decky Loader and its plugins:
- In Gaming Mode, press the Steam button, access the Power menu, and switch to Desktop Mode.
- Open a browser.
- Navigate to the Decky Loader GitHub page and click the Download icon.
- This time, choose Execute.
- Enter your pseudo password when prompted. If you haven't set one, follow the instructions to create it.
- After installation, power off the Steam Deck and restart in Gaming Mode.
- Press the QAM button to find Decky Loader restored with your settings and plugins.
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